Angels: What We Think We Know About Them

I believe in angels. I always have for some reason. I love studying about them; where they are mentioned in the Bible and how they are represented in literature.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions out there about these beings. Some have been innocent mistakes, while others have been meant to distort their relevance or discount them altogether.

One theory that Hollywood loves to perpetrate is that angels are jealous of human beings because they think God loves us more. That's hogwash to say the least. Yes, we do have the gift of free will, which angels do not possess. However, we are also not privy to a lot of the gifts that angels enjoy.

I thought it would be fun, over the course of the next few articles, to examine some of the truths and false hoods commonly spread about the heavenly hosts. Then, we can further explore the purpose of angels and how they are and aren't used by God.

Below are some commonly held beliefs about angels. But are they true or false? You guess and I'll share the answers I found in my research of the subject.

BELIEF: All angels have wings.

That is false. Not all angels have wings. Two classes - - the Cherubim and the Seraphim - - are; however, specifically mentioned in the Bible, in Exodus and Isaiah as having wings. While other classes may also possess them, not all angels do.

BELIEF: Angels are beautiful human-like beings; some of which are women.

Angels are not actually male or female. They have no specific gender. In some of the Bible's key passages in Genesis and Revelation however, they are referrred to as male. Additionally, some have frightening countenances of light, fire, etc., rather than any type of rare beauty.

In truth, angels are more energy than human. They can take human form; however, if it is called for by God.

BELIEF: Angels have always been here.

God created angels although no one is exactly certain of the timing. It is likely their creation corresponded with the creation of heavens, before the creation of earth.

BELIEF: Good human beings may become angels upon their death.

That is false. Angels were created by God as a group, toward the beginning of time. There is no evidence that He has added any angels to the ranks since their origin was first established.

BELIEF: All angels are good and kind.

That is also false. Lucifer was not the only angel to disagree with God. Other hosts have fallen from grace as well. Some scholars believe these one-time angels become the demons that torment and haunt mankind.

As far as kindness, while many angels are indeed kind, others are meant to frighten, cajole or even scare mankind into obedience. Much depends upon the angel's role in the heirarchy.

BELIEF: All angels are messengers of God.

The word angel comes from a Latin derivative meaning messenger. However, some angels have roles that are more clearly defined than just that of a messenger. Some are meant to worship God. Others take guardianship over mankind. Still others are warriors against evil. Some provide guidance or encouragement. Others deliver mankind from evil. The list goes on and on, with angels fulfilling many different roles; not just that of messengers alone.

BELIEF: There are only as many angels are there are human beings.

That can't be answered. The Bible refers to tens of thousands times tens of thousands and thousands upon thousands of angels. In truth, there are likely millions or even billions of angels.

BELIEF: Mankind is equal to the angels in his own way.

While angels may serve mankind at God's request, they are above and, therefore, superior to mankind in almost every way. They live in and around heaven as is their right, while mankind can be denied that gift if he is disobedient. That is why is makes no sense that angels would be jealous of man just because of free will.

BELIEF: There is a guardian angel assigned to every human being.

Most believe there is a guardian assigned to the innocent (babies and children) and to everyone who believes in Christ. Passages in Acts, Daniel, Kings, Luke, and Matthew would seem to bear that out. However, those who abandon their faith may also be stripped of their guardians. Additionally, some people may have multiple guardian angels at certain points in time in their lives.

BELIEF: Angels may mate with humans.

That isn't allowed. There is; however, a reference in scripture to angels leaving heaven to mate with humans, resulting in children known as Nephilim. However, they were confined away from humans and other angels alike.

BELIEF: Angels can "fall" and become human.

That isn't possible since angels were created completely different from mankind and do not have a soul.

Stay tuned for even more detailed information about angels.

RESOURCES:

Angels A to Z by Matthew Bunson, Three Rivers Press, 1996
Christian Answers (.net)